Decorated Capital Letter S
Classification
ephemera
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Accession Number
1907-7-28-b
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**Decorated Capital Letter S** *Jakob Frey (Swiss, active Italy, 1681–1752), ca. 1715* Step into the ornate world of early 18th-century European craftsmanship with this *Decorated Capital Letter S* by Jakob Frey, a Swiss artist whose career flourished in Italy. Created around 1715, this piece exemplifies the intricate artistry of the Baroque era, where elaborate initials served as visual anchors in manuscripts, books, and printed works. Frey, known for his skilled engravings and designs, bridged Swiss precision with Italian exuberance, infusing letters with flourishes that elevated text i...